I am about to do a gig as a sound utility technician. I was told by the production manager that I didn't need any equipment for the shoot. Is the sound mixer going to expect me to bring any equipment? e.g. soldering kit, maglite. You know, small essentials if need be.

Hi. No matter what I'm working on I'll always have a kit with me. I have a hard flight case on wheels that has the following inside:

Shotgun and rycote

Sound Devices MM1 Preamp

Multiple cables (various lengths and connectors)

Inline cable adapters (mainly audio but a few video bnc's etc) - these have come in very useful and gets you in the good books with the camera dept!!,

Spare batteries (someone will always need some)

Pair of two-way radios

Spare headphones

Spare torch

Spare leatherman

Cable ties, tape, strong string, velcro ties and strips.

That's what I'll always have with me. There are times when i've not had to open it and that made me think wether it's worth having with me all the time. But every time i've not had it with me someone asks for something that I would have had.

If your sound mixer is anything like any of us, they are also coming stupidly over-prepared and will have plenty of anything. If you really don't feel like bringing anything, at least bring "personal" items like gloves, headphones, ear plugs - things you have to wear and maybe don't want piles of other people's sweat on them.

Finish it off with a stylish fanny pack or this bad boy, a titanium spork (I never leave home without one.. my wife and I have a bunch), and you are so ready!

Always ask the mixer if it's the first time you are working with him or her, don't depend on reliable answers from the office in this type of situation. Be prepared to bring your basic kit as the others described, and above all: a notebook, a moleskin, voice recorder, whatever it takes to make notes. Mixers are particular people. You will be given notes on Comtek battery voltages, how to pack the cart, what Pelican that PZM mic is in that we will never use, but now need, what the heck did it even look like?, etc etc